Koh Samui: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Tour With Buffet Lunch

The Koh Samui Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Tour offers a unique opportunity for animal lovers to connect with these gentle giants. This captivating 5-hour journey provides a chance to observe elephants in their natural habitat, participate in preparing their dietary supplements, and indulge in a traditional Thai buffet. With a focus on ethical treatment, this tour promises an enriching experience that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions. As visitors enjoy the sanctuary’s serene environment, they’ll surely leave with a deeper appreciation for the majestic creatures and a newfound understanding of the importance of responsible tourism.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Lunch Experiences In Koh Samui.

Key Points

• Guided tour of the Samui Elephant Sanctuary on Koh Samui, providing an ethical and immersive experience observing elephants in their natural environment.
• Priced at ฿2,359 per person, the tour includes hotel transfers, a buffet lunch, and a guided exploration of the sanctuary.
• Visitors can participate in preparing dietary supplements for the elephants, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the sanctuary’s mission.
• The tour’s focus is on the elephants’ comfort and freedom, with no bathing or mud spa activities, ensuring an ethical and responsible experience.
• Highly rated by customers for its knowledgeable guides, seamless logistics, and commitment to the ethical treatment of elephants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Travelers can embark on an ethical elephant sanctuary tour at the Samui Elephant Sanctuary on the Thai island of Koh Samui, which is priced from ฿2,359 per person and lasts for 5 hours.

The tour includes hotel transfers, a buffet lunch, and a guided exploration of the sanctuary. Guests can observe the elephants playing in the mud and water, as well as assist in preparing dietary supplements for the animals.

While bathing or mud spa activities aren’t part of the experience, visitors can enjoy watching the elephants during their meals.

The tour offers a flexible booking option, allowing for full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Pricing and Inclusions

The tour is priced from ฿2,359 per person and includes hotel transfers, a buffet lunch, and a guided tour of the sanctuary.

The experience also comes with several other inclusions:

1. An English-speaking guide to lead the tour.

2. Two traditional Thai buffet meals.

3. Water and food for feeding the elephants.

4. A ‘Save the World’ canvas bag as a souvenir.

While the tour doesn’t include activities like bathing or mud spa with the elephants, it provides a comprehensive and ethical encounter with the sanctuary’s residents.

Travelers can observe the elephants, assist in preparing their dietary supplements, and dine while watching the majestic creatures.

Itinerary and Activities

Beginning with a pickup from select locations around Koh Samui, the tour takes visitors on a guided exploration of the Samui Elephant Sanctuary. Throughout the day, participants can observe the elephants playing in mud and water, as well as assist in preparing their dietary supplements. Visitors can also enjoy two traditional Thai buffet meals while watching the elephants in their natural habitat. The activities do not include bathing or mud spa with the elephants, as the focus is on observing and interacting with them respectfully. The tour provides a memorable and ethical experience for those seeking to learn about and support the conservation of these magnificent creatures.

Activity	Description
Guided Tour	Explore the sanctuary with an expert guide
Elephant Observation	Watch elephants play in mud and water
Dietary Supplement Preparation	Assist in preparing food for the elephants
Buffet Lunch	Dine while observing the elephants
Drop-off	Return to the same locations as pickup

Pickup and Drop-off

From select locations around Koh Samui, the tour offers convenient pickup and drop-off services to visitors, including options from Samui Airport, Ko Samui, and Nathon Pier. This makes it easy for guests to join the tour, regardless of their starting point on the island.

The pickup and drop-off process is seamless, allowing visitors to focus on the main attraction – the Samui Elephant Sanctuary.

The tour highlights include:

1. Hassle-free transportation to and from the sanctuary

2. Pickup options from major transportation hubs like the airport and ferry terminal

3. Efficient logistics that save time and ensure a smooth experience

4. Convenient drop-off at the same locations as pickup for a complete package.

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Visitor Recommendations

Visitors consistently praise the sanctuary’s well-trained staff, who provide informative and engaging guided tours that highlight the elephants’ natural behaviors and the sanctuary’s ethical practices.

Visitors are encouraged to come prepared for their visit, bringing sun protection, insect repellent, and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. The sanctuary provides rain boots for muddy areas, ensuring visitors can comfortably observe the elephants playing in the mud and water.

Though visitors can’t bathe or interact physically with the elephants, they’re thrilled to participate in preparing dietary supplements and watching the majestic animals from a respectful distance.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews highlight the Samui Elephant Sanctuary’s exceptional service, experienced guides, and thoughtful organization, earning it an impressive 4.8/5 overall rating based on 266 reviews.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides who provide insightful information about the elephants and sanctuary.

They also commend the seamless transportation and logistics, with convenient pickup and drop-off options.

Plus, the exceptional service from the staff, who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience, receives high marks.

Importantly, there is careful attention to the elephants’ well-being and ethical treatment, which is a top priority for visitors.

These positive experiences have led many customers to enthusiastically recommend the Samui Elephant Sanctuary tour as a must-do activity during their time in Koh Samui.

Tour Experience Highlights

The Samui Elephant Sanctuary tour offers visitors a chance to observe the majestic creatures at play, indulging in their natural behaviors like wallowing in mud and frolicking in water.

Guests can assist in preparing dietary supplements for the elephants, gaining a deeper appreciation for the care and attention required to maintain their wellbeing.

During the tour, visitors dine while watching the elephants, an unforgettable experience that allows them to connect with these gentle giants.

The sanctuary’s commitment to ethical treatment is evident, as the activities don’t include bathing or mud spa with the elephants, prioritizing their comfort and freedom.

Additional Information

The tour includes hotel transfers from Koh Samui, providing convenient pickup and drop-off at designated locations for added comfort and ease.

The tour also includes an English-speaking guide who’ll provide informative commentary throughout the experience.

Along With the guided tour, the package includes two traditional Thai buffet meals for a delightful dining experience while observing the elephants.

The tour also provides the following:

1. Water and food for feeding the elephants

2. A save the world canvas bag as a souvenir

3. Exclusions for transfers outside the designated locations

4. Personal expenses and gratuities aren’t covered

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, some reviews mention concerns about group size, suggesting it may accommodate larger groups, though the exact capacity is unknown.

How Is the Elephant Sanctuary Certified as Ethical?

The sanctuary is certified as ethical through adherence to strict animal welfare standards, prohibition of elephant rides and bathing, and a focus on providing a natural habitat where elephants can roam freely and engage in their natural behaviors.

Are There Any Restrictions for Visitors With Disabilities?

The sanctuary accommodates visitors with disabilities. It provides wheelchair access, assistive devices, and dedicated staff assistance to ensure an inclusive and memorable experience. Visitors should inform the tour operator of any special needs in advance.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Gifts at the Sanctuary?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts at the Samui Elephant Sanctuary. The sanctuary offers a range of merchandise, including t-shirts, reusable bags, and other elephant-themed items, allowing guests to take home a memento from their experience.

Do the Elephants Have Access to Veterinary Care?

The elephants at the sanctuary receive regular veterinary checkups and care to ensure their well-being. The sanctuary’s staff work closely with veterinarians to monitor the elephants’ health and provide any necessary treatment or medication.

Recap

The Koh Samui Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Tour offers a unique opportunity for animal lovers to connect with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

With a focus on ethical treatment, visitors can observe the elephants playing, participate in feeding them, and enjoy a traditional Thai buffet lunch.

This 5-hour tour provides a memorable and enriching experience that highlights the importance of responsible tourism and conservation efforts.

You can check if your dates are available here: